10 Times Thuso Mbedu Proved Her Red Carpet Fashion Is Unrivaled

 

When it comes to red carpet fashion, Thuso Mbedu is a force to be reckoned with. Since Thuso’s debut in the 2016 Mzansi Magic teen drama series Is’Thunzi, and going on to feature in Nollywood’s comedy JJC: Johnny Just Come, in 2018, we’ve watched her style evolve into many, fabulous forms.

The South African actress has consistently wowed audiences and fashion critics alike with her impeccable style and daring fashion choices. From glamorous gowns to edgy ensembles, Mbedu has proven time and time again that her red carpet fashion is truly unrivaled. She knows how to wear everything but one thing you’ll never miss seeing the 31-year-old actress wear is a good pair of Nike sneakers. 

“I am a person who is very much comfort over everything,” Mbedu told TZR in April, noting that “shoes and shades” are her go-to style investments. “You can play with T-shirts, you can play with your pants, and you can essentially wear the same type, but if your shoes are speaking and your shades are speaking, you’re sorted.”

She continued: “I think anybody who knows me, knows that she’s a Nike girl. I actually have people go, ‘Oh, that’s not a Nike [if I’m not wearing them].’”

Thuso Mbedu has a soaring international acting career thanks to her work in the 2022 action drama movie: The Woman King. Her recent work — Elemental — a 2023 American animated romantic comedy-drama produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios — is a great addition to Mbedu’s incredible portfolio. No wonder why she pulled out all the stops on the red carpet during the movie premiere at the 76th Cannes film festival in May. 

The South African native who was recently announced as a new brand ambassador and spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris in the Sub-Saharan Africa region is making her waves both in the movie and fashion industry and we love how she managed to maintain an unrivaled style whether she’s breaking new ground with her laid-back personal style, just keeping it chic with her short hair, or wearing what she loves on the red carpet. Keep scrolling as we highlight Thuso Mbedu’s 10 best red carpet fashion moments.

1. Thuso Mbedu was a Turquois Queen At The 2017 Emmy Awards

Mbedu wore a gorgeous Gert-Johan Coetzee turquoise strapless gown with a dramatic tulle skirt with side pockets to the 2017 Emmy Awards, which she lost out to English actress Anna Friel in the “Best Actress” category. Yes, she may have lost the trophy but her outfit was a big win for the star.

2. Thuso Mbedu slipped into a voluminous maxi skirt for the 2018 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs)

With her big Afro hair, the South African actress hit the SAFTAs red carpet in just a bandeau top and a voluminous maxi skirt.

3. She makes the wide neckline dress seems easy

A year after losing the Emmy “Best Actress” trophy to actress Anna Friel in 2017, Thuso Mbedu returned to the red carpet the next year for her second Emmys nomination for her role as Winnie in Is’Thunzi, wearing a stunning number by new kid on the fashion block Kenste Masilo who won Project Runway SA. 

4. Thuso Mbedu at the 2022 LACMA Art + Film Gala 2022

At the 2022 LACMA Art + Film Gala which was held in Los Angeles, Thuso Mbedu made a breathtaking red carpet appearance in a blue-lace and metallic-green gown designed by Gucci.

5. She’s a fan of Dior and the unthinkable braid hairstyle

Thuso Mbedu graced the 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards wearing an avant-garde gold dress with an intertwined bodice adding an edge, from Dior Fall 2020 Haute Couture. She also proved her knack for unthinkable braid hairstyles.

6. Tuso Mbedu at the 2023 Palm Springs International Film Awards

To set the bar for the new year, the South African actress wore a custom Louis Vuitton sleeveless gown, featuring a halter neck design — a beautiful dress repurposed from the label’s resort 2023 collection.  

7. She sparkles effortlessly

Thuso Mbedu wore a custom Louis Vuitton to the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards. The dress is said to have taken over 220 hours to complete with an additional 630 hours for the hand embroidery crafted with more than 16,000 bronze, gold, and silver sequins, an ideal creation for the South African star.

8. Thuso Mbedu stood out in Dior Haute Couture at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

The Oscar’s Vanity Fair party is usually a competitive fashion affair, and this year’s red carpet was no exception. But Thuso Mbedu stood out in this monochrome number with a caged bodice from Dior Spring 2018 Haute Couture collection. 

9. She knows when and where to shine

Thuso Mbedu was one of the many faces during the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival in May, and here she is looking pretty as usual, in this custom Louis Vuitton lamé fringe dress, featuring an embroidered sequin top, for the ‘The Old Oak’ premiere.

10. Thuso Mbedu on the last day of the 76th Cannes Film Festival

Saving the best for the last, the Woman King actress attended the “Elemental” closing ceremony of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, wearing a stunning haute couture gown from Elie Saab’s Spring 2022 collection that features intricate embroidery and floral detailing.